Experiences with using a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair for community-based occupations: a qualitative exploration.

Background: Occupational therapists strive to engage individuals in occupation and enhance community access through wheelchair prescription. Previous research with pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchairs identifies a reduction in the physical demands of manual wheelchair propulsion but limited evidence exists regarding user evaluation in context.

Purpose: This study explored the experience of using a power-assisted wheelchair in the community.

Effectiveness of an ergonomic keyboard for typists with work related upper extremity disorders: a follow-up study.

Objective: To investigate whether long-term use of an ergonomic keyboard was effective in reducing symptom severity and improving functional status for individuals who experience symptoms of work related upper extremity disorders (WRUED).

Participants: Twenty-nine symptomatic workers employed by a single company.

Methods: Participants were assessed after using an ergonomic keyboard for an average of 34 months.

Burn therapists' opinion on the application and essential characteristics of a burn scar outcome measure.

Comprehensive burn rehabilitation requires the use of an appropriate burn scar outcome measure (BSOM). The literature reports many BSOMs; however, an objective, practical, inexpensive, valid, reliable, and responsive instrument eludes us. A problem in the development of such a measure is disagreement in which scar properties to include.

Participation in community-based activities of daily living: comparison of a pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchair and a power wheelchair.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchair (PPW) performance among dual-users in their natural environment to determine whether the PPW would serve as a satisfactory alternative to a power wheelchair for community-based activities.

Methods: A concurrent mixed methods research design using a cross-over trial was used. The outcome measures used were number of hours reported using the different wheelchairs, Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST), Functioning Everyday with a Wheelchair (FEW), Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

The effect of alternate style keyboards on severity of symptoms and functional status of individuals with work related upper extremity disorders.

Unlabelled: There is evidence that performing job tasks involving repetition, vibration, sustained posture or forceful movement may contribute to symptoms of work related upper extremity disorders. Typing is one such activity; symptoms that develop as a result of this activity can affect performance of work, self-care and leisure occupations. Studies investigating the impact of ergonomic keyboards on symptom reduction are limited, and little research exists regarding the reduction of key activation force as an intervention.

Musculoskeletal injuries among ultrasound sonographers in rural Manitoba: a study of workplace ergonomics.

The purpose of this study was to compare the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries and workplace ergonomics among rural-based sonographers compared to urban-based sonographers. The authors also tested the use of a biomechanical software program to assess load on the spine and upper extremity joints. A mail-in survey was sent to all practicing sonographers in rural Manitoba, and on-site video-taped ergonomic and biomechanical evaluations were completed for four sites.